VitalvsSummit

Vital (dual purpose) and Summit (bittering) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Vital

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9–16%

Beta acid

6–11%

Total oil

1.1–2.5 mL

Czech Republic

Summit

Bittering

Alpha acid

15–17.5%

Beta acid

4–6.5%

Total oil

1.5–3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Vital

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma

When to pick Summit

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Vital

PlumLavenderSpicyLicorice

Only in Summit

Black currantAniseIncenseOrangeGrapefruitTangerineEarthyCitrusOnionGarlicDankCannabis

Property

PropertyVitalSummit
Alpha acid9–16%15–17.5%
Beta acid6–11%4–6.5%
Co-humulone21–26%26–33%
Total oil1.1–2.5 mL1.5–3 mL
Myrcene40–60%30–40%
Humulene2–5%18–22%
Caryophyllene5–8%12–16%
Farnesene1–3%0–1%
OriginCzech RepublicUnited States
PurposeDual purposeBittering

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